Central London turned into a sea of placards and chants on Wednesday as thousands of protesters rallied against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom.
London’s Metropolitan Police estimated around 5,000 demonstrators filled the streets, converging on Parliament Square for a fiery evening rally. Trump, meanwhile, enjoyed a red-carpet welcome at Windsor Castle, 35 kilometres away, avoiding the capital’s unrest.
“We’re protesting about everything Donald Trump represents—there are too many reasons to count,” said 67-year-old former teacher Dave Lockett, warning that Trump’s rhetoric fuels “fascism in Britain.”
High-Profile Voices Join the March
Green Party leader Zack Polanski told the crowd, “This is the moment to reject the politics of hate and division,” while comedian Nish Kumar hosted the gathering. Protesters carried banners supporting Palestinians, opposing fascism, and denouncing Trump’s policies.
A scaled-down version of the infamous “Trump Baby” blimp reappeared, while drummers kept energy high. “End the genocide. Stop Trump,” read one sign held by Yashi Sriram, a doctor originally from India.
Heavy Security, Minimal Trouble
More than 1,600 officers, including 500 from outside forces, were deployed to keep order. A lone counter-protester waving a “We Love Trump” placard was drowned out by chants of “Donald Trump not welcome here.” Police reported no major incidents or arrests.
Public Opinion Still Frosty
A YouGov/Sky poll showed nearly half of Britons opposed the visit, with only a quarter believing it would strengthen UK–US ties. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a longtime Trump critic, accused the ex-president of “fanning the flames of far-right politics” and “scapegoating minorities” in a Guardian op-ed.
Organizers from the Stop Trump Coalition said the former president deliberately limited his London appearances. “He knows we’re protesting,” they declared, calling the visit a “sad little carriage ride in Windsor” away from public view.
The demonstration underscored a clear message to both governments: Donald Trump remains deeply unpopular in Britain—and Londoners are not shy about saying so.
